Fresh Rules Issued to Control Illegal Online Sales of Walkie-Talkies
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has released fresh guidelines to stop the unauthorized listing and sale of walkie-talkies and other radio equipment on e-commerce platforms.
The aim of these guidelines, titled Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Illegal Listing and Sale of Radio Equipment including Walkie Talkies on E-Commerce Platforms, 2025, is to prevent the sale of wireless devices that may be unsafe for consumers or interfere with important communication networks used by law enforcement and emergency services. The Department of Consumer Affairs finalized the guidelines after thorough consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), ensuring all legal and security concerns were addressed.
A major issue flagged was that walkie-talkies were being sold online without informing buyers whether these devices required a license or met legal standards. Often, the product descriptions lacked details such as frequency range, necessary approvals under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, or the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933. This created a false impression that anyone could use such devices without restrictions.
According to new rules, it is mandatory for sellers to list only those walkie-talkies that are authorized and operate within permitted frequency ranges. Product listings must clearly mention technical details, including frequency range and regulatory approval (such as Equipment Type Approval or ETA). E-commerce platforms must also verify seller compliance and take down listings that do not meet these conditions.
Additionally, any misleading ads or product descriptions are now prohibited. Sellers are required to ensure that the devices do not use restricted frequencies unless they are officially authorized.
The guidelines also introduce penalties and enforcement measures as per the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Earlier, the CCPA had issued 13 notices covering over 16,970 such product listings on major digital marketplaces for not following legal norms. These platforms are now under strict watch to ensure compliance.
Source: PIB
